William Simmons, accountant: Unsung hero at the Battle of Bladensburg, War of 1812

By Robert B. Lechter, CPA

Conflict of any kind often brings out an inner quality of an individual that would not otherwise be known if it were not for conflict. When the conflict is a war, being fought on your own land and in your own cities, that inner quality might be indomitable courage and selfless volunteerism. As in the case of most wars, there are countless brave and heroic deeds performed, unselfishly and at the greatest risk known to mankind, that is the risk of life and limb. All too often, many of these valiant acts go untold and without reward.

One hero that never received any credit for his actions was William Simmons, an accountant. It was during the War of 1812, against the British, which many historians consider the "second" war of American independence.

William Simmons was the War Department accountant, under Secretary of War John Armstrong. Armstrong was complacent, arrogant, stubborn, and considered by historians very much responsible for the American loss at Bladensburg and the subsequent burning of Washington, D.C. Armstrong's main failure was neglecting to listen to his subordinates. Sometime before the British invasion of the Chesapeake, Armstrong fired Simmons, which was the end result of a feud with Armstrong. Though this created a deep resentment towards the administration, Simmons rallied to the cause and volunteered as a lone scout to follow the British troops' movement on the Bladensburg side of the Patuxent River and Eastern Branch. Watching until the last possible minute to be sure of the British intentions to march on Bladensburg, Simmons finally retreated to give this information to the nearest U.S. field commanders.

As Simmons was crossing the Bladensburg Bridge, he ran directly into the oncoming Presidential party, which was preparing to cross the bridge and ride unknowingly into the hands of General Ross of the British. Had Simmons not held his position, President James Madison, the only U.S. President to enter a field of battle, would have become a prisoner of the enemy.

Having done all he could at this point, Simmons then acted as a forward artillery observer and noted that the U.S. cannon fire was ineffective. Once again, placing himself between the fire of the opposing armies, Simmons galloped to the US commander Brigadier General William H. Winder to report his observations. Winder however, was a flustered, confused and incompetent leader, and dismissed Simmons report because it was not from a professional soldier.

Seeing that there was nothing else he could do, now that Bladensburg was being overrun by the enemy, Simmons rode into Washington to warn the remaining citizens and government offices and report to the President's House. He noted two deserted large cannons at the President's House that would fall into enemy hands but he couldn't move them alone. Thinking quickly, with the help of some Presidential brandy, Simmons organized a group of retreating militiamen and arranged for the removal of at least one of the large guns. Having completed this final act of wit and resourcefulness, Simmons rode on to Georgetown and thus ended his brief but heroic tour of duty.

The obvious lesson we all must learn from this story is that there is always a greater cause than our own. In addition however, there is a deeper and critical lesson to grasp from this story and it is for Partners and senior firm members. It is best summarized as follows:

Encourage and listen well to the words of your subordinates. It is well known that gold lies hidden underground.
— Nabeshima Naoshige (1538-1618)
From Ideals of the Samurai

Robert B. Lechter, CPA, is a sole practitioner out of Silver Spring. He specializes in one-on-one personal marketing and motivational coaching, and delivers group sales training and motivational seminars.

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